Mrs. Malka Sarah Kuperman lived in the Bronx for many years. In the late 1950s she had an audience with the Rebbe, of righteous memory, during which the Rebbe asked her if she attends any women's learning sessions. She responded that no such learning sessions take place in the Bronx, however, once or twice a year she attends the Lubavitch women's events in Brooklyn.

The Rebbe said (paraphrased): "There are also Jews who go to synagogue once or twice a year, however, we need to strive for higher and attend synagogue as often as possible...

"There is a need for frequent learning sessions in your neighborhood. Speak to Mrs. Rochel Altein and she will assist you in arranging this."

Mrs. Kuperman organized learning sessions, many with Rebbetzin Rochel Altein. (You could read here the Rebbe's correspondence with Mrs. Altein regarding learning sessions in the Bronx from the mid 1950s).

Effort Brings Success

By the Grace of G‑d
14th of Teveth, 5718 [January 6th, 1958]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Mrs. Malke Sarah Kuperman
Bronx, New York

Blessing and Greeting:

I received your letter, and was pleased to read about the good work of the women's group, about which you write that it is going along by itself, with little effort on your part. In this connection I would like to point out what is explained in Chassidus [chassidic teachings], that even where a thing is so established that it is going on by itself, without outside effort, it is clear, however, how much better it would go where there is an additional effort from outside. This is explained in connection with the well-known saying of our Sages, "Effort with success, believe; success without effort, do not believe," which has been said about the study of the Torah and the observance of the Mitzvoth, even in connection with people of great mental capacity, etc. For, true success comes only after suitable efforts.

I therefore trust that you will make every effort to gain ever-growing success for the group. No doubt you also know my view that among the subjects to be studied by young married women's groups should be included also the subject of Taharas Hamishpocho [Family Purity]. I trust that this is so in the case of your group.

With reference to the news that you are nearly due to give birth, may G‑d help you complete your pregnancy and give birth to a healthy, normal child, in a happy and auspicious hour.

With blessing,
M. Schneerson

Study Group for Young Women

By the Grace of G‑d
26th of Teveth, 5717 [December 21st, 1956]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Mrs. Malkah Sarah Kuperman
Bronx, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I received your letter of last Monday, and I was pleased to read in it that you started a study group of young women, in accordance with our discussion when you were here, and that you already see the first signs of progress. This gives me the hope that you will be encouraged to increase your efforts for continued progress with this group, both quantitatively and qualitatively, that is, to say, increase the number of young women attending this circle, as well as in the spiritual accomplishments, and may G‑d bless you with continued success.

Enclosed you will find some of our latest publications, which I trust you will find useful in your work.

With blessing,
By [secretary's signature]